07 January 2014

Why I Don't Like Traditional Grading

I'm not a fan of the traditional letter grade system, but I have a hard time describing why. Hugh O'Donnell did it for me in his post, Go Back to "Traditional" Grading? Some points I particularly agree with:

The teacher isn't concerned that another teacher in the district, the building, or just down the hall, who is teaching the same subject, has different grading criteria. Your child could get an A in one class, and a C in the other class—for the same level of actual achievement. (#4)

Kids don't learn from mistakes—they get hammered for mistakes. (#7)

The teacher’s most effective tool – feedback to the student about learning – is compromised by attaching “credit” to everything a student does. (#10)